Portraits of Eleanor

Monster. Temptress. Murderer. Queen. Who was Eleanor of Aquitaine, really?

The juicy rumors abound: Eleanor had an affair with her uncle. Eleanor rode through town topless on a horse. Eleanor controlled her sons like puppets.

These salacious lies and half-truths about Eleanor of Aquitaine have piled up for centuries. Why? Because a woman with power threatened the status quo of medieval Europe. Can’t have that! Stifling her success, gossipy myths transformed Eleanor from a trusted mother to an adulteress, from a tough negotiator to a nightmarish shrew.

But there is a more compelling version of Eleanor’s life buried beneath these stories. In fact, the legendary Queen of England and France survived kidnapping, shipwreck, and starvation; she commanded military power and political influence throughout the 12th Century and was the wealthiest landowner in Europe. No big deal... (Actually: a really big deal!)

This sensational read tears away years of mistruths to reveal an impressive feminist icon. Full-color photographs, royal family trees, and historical artifacts are interspersed among engaging chapters that unpack the myths behind Eleanor’s legacy. Perfect for fans of Candace Fleming’s The Family Romanov or Amy Butler Greenfield’s The Woman All Spies Fear.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs